Why is the Menorah the most enduring symbol of Judaism?
When the Jews constructed a divine tabernacle in the desert following their exodus from Egypt, they were instructed to prepare a seven branched candelabra to be lit every day in the chamber adjacent to the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This observance continued for at least another 1,500 years, with brief pauses, until the destruction of the second Holy Temple. This week’s parsha opens with G-d’s instructions to Aharon the High Priest to light the Menorah every day. Following the lengthy narrative of last week’s parsha about the inauguration of the tabernacle through the sacrifices offered by the leaders of the twelve tribes, Aharon was distraught that his tribe was not included in the pomp and ceremony of the sacrificial inauguration. In response G-d assured him the merit of lighting the flames of the Menorah was far superior. Whereas the sacrifices will one day cease due to the destruction of the Holy Temple, the flames of the Menorah will endure forever. Even during exile Jews will continue lighting Menorahs (albeit with eight branches instead of seven) during Chanukah in celebration of the miracle of the oil which occurred with the Holy Temple flames. On a deeper level, the Menorah teaches us how to ensure Jewish continuity through education. The essential function of a Menorah is a space for a flame to shine. The flame represents the soul, mandated with the mission of bringing divine light and warmth to a materialistically dark and cold universe. But aside from the impact one single flame has on its surroundings through its light and warmth, every flame can create more flames and there are three crucial details about this phenomenon that teach us all we need to know about education. When one flame lights another flame the intended purpose is for the new flame to be independent. As long as the original flame needs to touch the wick, the new flame does not really exist. The purpose of education is to create confident and self-sufficient Jews, who in turn can educate and inspire others. Flames are infinite. There is no limit to how many flames one flame can ignite. As our sages proclaim “you shall educate many students!” There is no quota of how many people you are obligated to inspire and guide in the proper direction. Even if you mentored countless people, always seize the opportunity to educate more. Finally, the flame is never diminished as a result of sharing its fire with other wicks. No matter how many flames one flame ignites, it never weakens or dims as a result. Educating others can seem to detract from your own personal growth. After all, the time and effort expended on caring for others is less time spent on yourself. Flames teach us that one who focuses on inspiring others never loses out. The Menorah is the icon of education and education is the secret recipe to Jewish continuity.